twenty-two years back to the carriage procession into Royal Ascot on June 17, 1997. The late Princess Margaret wore a ruched toque hat overlaid in the same blue and white silk as her scarf while the Duchess of Gloucester sported some Puritan vibes in this peach straw hat with wide, flat brim and tall crown.
I don’t expect there will be many (or any?!) royal hats worn today but please do share and chat about any do make an appearance in the comments here.
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I agree with the previous commentators regarding Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester. She looks beautiful and is one of those women who aged beautifully as she got older. It’s a wonderful colour for her, love the jewels and she could wear that to Ascot this year and not look out of place!
Princess Margaret was beautiful. This color was beautiful on her. It’s really sad how she changed later.
HatQueen:
1. These past two weeks have been very entertaining. It’s interesting to see some of the other Royals out enjoying the “Sport of Kings,” along with the usual participants. The vintage photos are especially fun. Thank you so much for brightening up and warming up our grey January. Come back soon – rested, and ready for the new season of Easter, Trooping, and Ascot.
2. I think Brigitte is probably the best dressed “Puritan” I’ve ever seen – as JamesB pointed out, she looks great for 52.
3. Princess Margaret repeated her ensemble almost a year to the day! Blue was very flattering on her. Notice the hat is pushed forward a skosh the 2nd time around.
4. Have a great weekend, Royal Hat enthusiasts, keep warm!
June 13, 1998; Trooping the Colour
Embed from Getty Images
Oh, I like the hat much better when pulled forward!
Amazing how a few centimeters difference in the placement can give such a different look.
I thhink Brigitte could get away with that hat now, I rather like it. She really did age fabulously in her 40s didn’t she, when you get she was slightly dowdy but then became such an elegant older lady, which she remains today. She was 52 here yet looks about 35!
JamesB – I agree with your comments. When I first saw these photos I had basically the same thoughts. I do love Brigitte’s hat and would be thrilled to have it and wear it this coming spring and summer.
Royal Warren(t), (cute name!) wouldn’t it be fun on some bleak, Royally boring day in February, to have a post of the RoyalHat enthusiasts wearing their best, favorite titfers? I would certainly contribute a photo, as long as my face is blobbed out, since I have never been blessed with the most handsome countenance. Wadda you think?
Jimbo, I have more than one favorite haha, and my collection of hats just keeps growing, but I would love to see something like this happen in the future!
I’m on board! Let’s see how many others will play along. I’ll wear my golden yellow-orange boater with roses, feather and quills that I wore for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding! Anybody else want to join in?
I also agree with your comments, James. It is sad to think that Princesss Margaret died less than five years later, in 2002. She looks very well in this photo, doesn’t she? Blue was always a good colour for her with her astounding blue eyes. I saw her once, and was struck by their colour. And the simplicity of this hat suits her well too.
I agree with your comments. It’s a stunning hat on a beautiful lady. I think she looks like a glamour model in these photos.
I was thinking the same thing!! She looks incredibly youthful, and I love the apricot color on her. Lovely accessories too.